I started by purchasing a Collings F5 mandolin.  I relied strictly on photos and the owner’s (Steve) description of the instrument.  Steve responded quickly and accurately to all of my questions.  I purchased the instrument and could not be more pleased.  A week later, I drove the 7 hrs from Pittsburgh to the shop to look at a Bourgeois guitar.  I got to meet Steve and he spent time answering all of my questions and let me have time by myself to play the guitar – which I purchased.  Given that I have a shop in my own backyard who is a dealer for both instruments, why drive 7 hrs?  The name of the shop says it all, I truly felt like I was ” down home”!  No pretentiousness, just friendly folks with whom you want to do business.